Water craft, such as a boat or a ship

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a watercraft with a framework arranged in radial symmetry to a central horizontal axis (Z-Z), in which a passenger cell and/or a load absorbing cell is movably mounted so that it retains its vertical suspended position in rotational movement of the framework.  
     According to this invention, the passenger cell and/or a load absorbing cell has an arrangement for attaching at least one sail ( 1 ).

[0001] This invention relates to a watercraft according to thedefinition of the species of claim 1.

[0002] German Patent 196 21 521 A1 discloses a watercraft of thecatamaran design, German Patent 40 30 225 C2 discloses a watercraftconsisting of two surfboards, and German Patent 35 23 124 A1 discloses atwin-hull boat that can be dismantled. The above-mentioned watercraftand twin-hull boat have the advantage of increased capsizing stabilityin comparison with single-hull watercraft.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 1,711,726 describes a motor-driven watercrafthaving multiple floats which are interconnected by struts at their endsto form a three-dimensional structure. A bearing is arranged at thecenter of the struts. A passenger compartment is rotatably mounted inthese bearings in such a way that it maintains its upright positionregardless of the motion of the sea.

[0004] German Patent 43 04 659 A1 discloses another watercraft havingmultiple floats.

[0005] It is known from C. A. Marchaj, Aerodynarnik und Hydrodynamik desSegelns [Aerodynamics and hydrodynamics of sailing], Bielefeld 1982,page 126, that—in order to achieve truly high speeds by a drasticreduction in wave resistance—the body of the boat must either besubmerged or raised out of the water. The above-mentioned underwaterconcept, i.e., implementation of a sailing submarine, has not yet beenimplemented, whereas the surface concept mentioned above, i.e.,implementation of a hydrofoil boat or hydroplane, is being developedfurther at the present time.

[0006] As a first step, wave-cutting or wave-piercing hulls have alreadybeen used in conjunction with the underwater or submarine concept.

[0007] German Patent 44 47 216 C2 and German Patent 196 24 487 C1describe watercraft that can be assembled from a few simple components,offer a high level of security against capsizing and can be driven bythe wind. The known watercraft have multiple disk-shaped floats arrangedwith radial symmetry around a horizontal axis. in preferred embodimentsof the watercraft, a leeboard is fixedly mounted on both sides or thecenter of each float (cf. FIGS. 10 through 12).

[0008] Against the background of this state of the art, the object ofthis invention is to create a watercraft of the type defined in thepreamble having improved floating properties.

[0009] This object is achieved according to this invention by awatercraft as defined in the claims.

[0010] Numerous advantages are achieved with this invention. Althoughwatercraft according to the above-mentioned state of the art havedisk-shaped floats with leeboards, and because of the water pressureacting on their leeboards, they tend to list severely and to undercutthe individual floats, at least one control element is arranged on thestructure of the watercraft according to this invention. Thiscounteracts both listing and undercutting.

[0011] An advantageous embodiment of a watercraft with a frameworkarranged with radial symmetry to a horizontal central axis has apassenger cell mounted movably in such a way that it retains itsvertically suspended position in rotational movement of the frameworkand is characterized in that the framework is in the form of a box kiteor a similar framework having radial symmetry with the centralhorizontal axis. At least one control element is arranged on thepassenger cell either directly or indirectly by way of at least oneconnecting element. This counteracts both listing and undercutting ofthe individual floats. The watercraft according to this invention issuitable for low-water travel and is unsinkable. It does not transferany rolling motion to a passenger gondola including a control stand orto a load absorbing cell. It thus offers extremely great protectionagainst capsizing and it remains fully functional even after capsizinghas occurred. At the same time, the passenger gondola may be equippedwith one or more sails.

[0012] In an advantageous manner, the watercraft according to thisinvention can be constructed and assembled easily from a comparativelysmall number of individual parts which are inexpensive to manufacture,so that the watercraft as a whole can be manufactured comparativelyinexpensively.

[0013] Another advantageous embodiment of this invention consists of thefact that each float has at least one recess which is arranged on itsside facing away from the water in positioning the respective float onwater and accommodates a connecting joint of a framework arranged withradial symmetry to the central horizontal axis. This greatly increasesthe floating stability of the floats.

[0014] Another advantageous embodiment of a watercraft according to thisinvention having multiple floats arranged with radial symmetry to ahorizontal axis is characterized in that the framework is designed to becollapsible. This permits a great reduction in the volume of thewatercraft for transport to and from its site of use, for example, orfor storage.

[0015] The watercraft according to this invention may have frameworkarms which are submerged under water due to the design of the floats,among other things. The framework arms may advantageously have openings,especially tunnel-like openings running parallel to the direction oftravel, minimizing the water resistance on immersion in the water.

[0016] The floats may each be designed as a hull. The hull preferablyhas a wave-cutting cross section. Such a hull largely prevents movementsup and down over the crests and valleys of waves; it pierces through thecrests of the waves, thus effectively preventing pitching of thewatercraft.

[0017] This invention will now be described on the basis of thedrawings, which show:

[0018]FIG. 1: a perspective view of a first embodiment of the watercraftaccording to this invention;

[0019]FIG. 2: a portion of the watercraft according to FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 3: a side view of the first embodiment of the watercraftaccording to this invention;

[0021]FIG. 4: a front view of a watercraft according to FIG. 3;

[0022]FIG. 5: a horizontal section of the watercraft according to FIGS.3 and 4;

[0023]FIG. 6: a side view of a second embodiment of the watercraftaccording to FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0024]FIG. 7: structural details of a hinge mechanism of a watercraftaccording to this invention as illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5;

[0025]FIG. 8: a third embodiment of the watercraft according to thisinvention;

[0026]FIG. 9: components of the watercraft according to this invention;

[0027]FIG. 10: a state-of-the-art watercraft (=FIG. 1 of German Patent44 47 216 C2); and

[0028]FIG. 11: a state-of-the-art watercraft (=FIG. 2 of German Patent44 47 216 C2); and

[0029]FIG. 12: another state-of-the-art watercraft (=FIG. 3 of GermanPatent 44 47 216 C2).

[0030] The watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1 has a main part A which isarranged with radial symmetry to a central horizontal axis Z-Z of thewatercraft and corresponds largely to the framework of a box kite. Themain part A may be composed of one or more frameworks or backbonestructures which are interconnected so they can rotate about theircommon horizontal axis of symmetry, central axis Z-Z and to a main partB (FIG. 2).

[0031] The framework of the main part A illustrated in FIG. 1 comprisesthree longitudinal copings or spars 2, six compression bars 18 formingtwo equilateral triangles in two normal planes of central axis Z-Z andtwelve traction cables 7. Six sail boards are connected in a hingedmanner to rigid framework arms 19 arranged on longitudinal spars 2, saidsail boards either lying on the surface of the water as floats 3 orprojecting into the air as additional rigid sails 4.

[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the longitudinal spars 2are arranged outside the triangles formed by compression bars 18.However, it is also possible to arrange the longitudinal spars 2 insidethese triangles. Thus, the framework arms do not pass throughlongitudinal spars 2.

[0033] Framework A has in particular the form of a box kite or aframework designed to have radial symmetry with the central horizontalaxis 7-7. However, this invention is not lImIted to this form.

[0034] For wind propulsion, the framework is equipped with at least onesail cell (not shown in FIG. 1) which is also designed and arranged inradial symmetry with the central axis Z-Z. Sail surfaces can be designedto be rolled up by attaching textile cell edges to rolling shafts, sothe wind propulsion can be controlled. To guarantee a constant tensionin the sail surfaces, a winding torque in the manner of snap rollers canbe produced on each rolling shaft, so the wind propulsion can becontrolled. To guarantee a persistent tension in the sail surfaces, awinding torque can be produced in the manner of snap rollers from whichthe lock has been removed.

[0035] For a helmsman, trampoline surfaces can be stretched betweensails in the central part, mainly in the same way as the sail surfaces.

[0036] Likewise, a gondola B (FIG. 2) or an independent boat can bearranged in a mount so that it can be rotated about the axis Z-Z, alsolockable with the main part A, so that in the unlocked state, thegondola or the boat retains the vertical hanging position due to itsinherent load in rotational movement of the framework about itslongitudinal or transverse axis.

[0037] The floats 3 each have at least one recess 35 arranged on theside facing away from the water in positioning the respective float onwater. The recesses 35, which are preferably funnel shaped, eachaccommodate a connecting joint of the framework, each attached to aframework arm 19.

[0038] Although in the state of the art (FIGS. 10 through 12), oneleeboard 5 is in a friction-locked connection with each float 3 or sailboard 4 on each side or one leeboard 5 is connected at the center, atleast one control element 5 is arranged on the framework of thewatercraft according to this invention in a non-friction-lockedconnection with-the floats or sail boards.

[0039] The watercraft according to this invention thus does not have anycontrol elements in a friction-locked connection with the floats 3 orsail boards 4; i.e., instead of control elements 5 in a friction-lockedmount on floats 3 or sail boards 4, the watercraft according to thisinvention is equipped with at least one control element 5 which is notconnected to the floats or sail boards in a friction-locked manner, saidcontrol element 5 being arranged on the framework A (FIG. 6) or on apassenger cell and/or load absorbing cell B (in FIG. 2). The axis ofrotation of the control element 5 thus remains essentially vertical, andno tilting forces are transmitted from the control element 5 to thefloat 3.

[0040] By omitting leeboards and other control elements on the floats inthe watercraft according to FIGS. 1 through 5, joints of the floats 3,as connections to the framework(s) of the main part A may be arrangedlower with respect to the water level. Due to being mounted lower, thefloat stability of floats 3 and thus the float stability of thewatercraft is greatly increased on the whole.

[0041] As mentioned above, the main part A may consist of two skeletalstructures as in the state of the art (FIGS. 11 and 12). As shown inFIG. 11 for the state of the art, they may consist of two skeletalstructures A which are congruent with one another and are mounted torotate about a main tubular girder 50 independently of one another,their compression bars 18 supporting longitudinal spars 47 against oneanother and their tension cables 7 pulling the outside ends of thelongitudinal spars 47 into their planned position relative to thecentral axis Z-Z and connecting them to the main tubular girder 50 bymeans of pivot bearings 10.

[0042] If capsizing is possible, each framework of main part A rotatesinto the next stable equilibrium position because of the radial symmetryof its design, namely rotating by an angle of rotation of less than 180degrees.

[0043] The main part B of an embodiment of the watercraft according tothis invention as shown in FIG. 2 consists of a gondola or a boat with acontrol stand 34 which may optionally accommodate passengers and/or apayload in addition to the helmsman. The gondola is designed in onepiece with a main tubular girder 50 which embodies central axis Z-Z andis mounted to rotate about the latter and is thus connected to the mainpart A (FIGS. 1 through 5). Because of this arrangement, the gondolaexperiences essentially no rotational motion in capsizing of the mainpart A due to its own weight and the weight of its passengers orpayload. In an up and down movement when capsizing, the gondola alwaysreturns to its original position.

[0044] In this embodiment of the watercraft according to this invention,it is controlled by control elements 5, preferably floating rudderswhich are mounted directly on the gondola and/or are guided outward by acorresponding linkage or other expedient devices in the direction of thecentral axis Z-Z and thus remain connected in a friction-locked mannerto the gondola floating over the water. Due to this friction-lockedconnection, the horizontal water forces which counteract drift and areabsorbed by the control rudders are transmitted as torque to thegondola. To keep the control rudders in their most effective position,i.e., the vertical position, this torque which acts to cause listing ofthe gondola can be compensated by appropriate displacement of weight. Bylocking main parts A and B from time to tome, the listing moment can betransmitted to the entire system. If capsizing is imminent, the lock isreleased again.

[0045]FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of this watercraft.

[0046]FIGS. 4 and 5 show a front view and a horizontal section (DD) ofthe watercraft illustrated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the frameworkconsists of framework arms 19 arranged in the form of a star, alsoillustrated in conjunction with the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 7.

[0047]FIGS. 7a through 7 c illustrate this hinge mechanism.

[0048] The framework consists of three frames arranged in a star pattern(in radial symmetry around Z-Z). A frame (FIG. 7b) consists of twoframework arms connected by a common longitudinal spar 2 and bracedrigidly with it by traction cable 7.

[0049] In the use state, each arm 19 has a float 3 on one end and on theother end a hollow chamber (52, 53, 54 in FIG. 7a) shaped like a ringsegment. The three hollow chambers shaped like ring segments areinterconnected by hinges or can be closed to form hollow chamber ring 55(=52, 53 and 54). The hollow chambers and framework arms accommodate thecontrol mechanism in the embodiment according to FIG. 6 and areconnected to the steering wheel. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1through 6, the main tubular girder 50 accommodates the control mechanismand is connected to steering wheels 6.

[0050] To reduce the volume of the framework, the three frames can befolded up into a position in which they are parallel to one another. Thecorresponding outline is, shown in FIG. 7c, with the side view beingshown in FIG. 7a. The detached floats 3 and the gondola are stored in acollapsed state in the interspaces remaining between the frames.

[0051]FIGS. 7a, 7 b and 7 c show the minimal outlines of a transportcontainer labeled as 51.

[0052] The watercraft according to this invention may be designed sothat at least one movement means serving to move the watercraft forwardon land, in particular a wheel or a ball, is arranged on at least onecontrol element. The movement means may also be a float.

[0053] A control element may be in the form of a folding leeboard, forexample, which may be arranged on the framework (A), the passenger celland/or load absorbing cell (B) or it may also be arranged on a float atthe side. In particular, two such folding leeboards which may also bearranged laterally on such a float can be folded up with respect to anaxis running across the direction of travel. In addition to the foldingleeboard, a connecting body may also be arranged on the same axis. Itconsists of a tubular piece on which are arranged two parallel platesperpendicular to the axis of the tubular piece. These plates hold thebearing for a wheel. This wheel has a pneumatic tire in particular.

[0054] The folding of the connecting body with the wheel is limited bystop pins.

[0055] In the rolling state, the folding leeboards are in a horizontalposition, while the impeller assumes a lower position due to the weightof the watercraft.

[0056] In the floating state, the folding leeboards are in a verticalposition, while the impellers assume an upper position.

[0057] In this embodiment, the floats are rotated jointly together withthe folding leeboards.

[0058] The disk-shaped floats 3 (FIGS. 1 and 3 through 6) may becircular in shape or they may have some other shape, e.g., the shape ofa conventional sail board. In this latter embodiment, the rotation ofthe control elements about the vertical axis may take place withfrictional engagement with the sail boards in the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 6.

[0059] The disk-shaped floats of embodiments of the watercraft accordingto this invention are shaped with recesses, so that joints of thefloats, as connections to the framework(s) of the main part A, may bearranged lower with respect to the water level. This greatly increasesthe floating stability of the floats and thus that of the watercraft onthe whole.

[0060] In the case of the watercraft illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, thefloats 3 are designed as hulls. The hulls may be designed differently;in particular, they have a wave-cutting or wave-piercing cross sectionwhich tapers toward the top. Therefore, these hulls are more easilysubmerged in the water, largely avoiding the pitching motions caused bywaves. The hulls then pierce through the crests of the waves.

[0061] The embodiment of the watercraft according to this inventionillustrated in FIG. 3 also has a framework A consisting of parts A1 andA2 arranged with radial symmetry to a central horizontal axis Z-Z. PartA1 is the part of the framework which is in contact with the water innormal operation and forms the buoyancy, while A2 is the part of theframework projecting into the air in normal operation. Framework part A2fulfils two functions: first, it can counteract listing by displacementof weight in the direction of the windward side, as in FIG. 8c;secondly, it keeps the vehicle ready for operation in the normalposition in an actual capsizing case. Each framework part A1, A2consists of two portal frames, each comprising at least two frameworkarms 19 and a connected hull 3. These portal frames are held together bytwo connecting triangles and each is connected to a pivot bearing ring10. The pivot bearing rings 10 surround the main tubular girder 50.

[0062] In the case of this watercraft, the framework A, A1, A2 hasframework arms 19 arranged radially to the central horizontal axis Z-Z.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9a, each framework part A1, A2 has at least twopivot bearing-rings 10 to which are connected two of framework arms 19.The framework arm 19 of a pivot bearing ring 10 is connected to acorresponding framework arm 19 of the other pivot bearing ring 10 by ahull-shaped float 3, so that the two floats 3 are arranged with theirlongitudinal axes parallel to one another.

[0064] The framework arms 19 of a pivot bearing ring 10 are arranged ina plane normal to the central axis Z-Z, with the angle between theseframework arms 19 being essentially 90 degrees.

[0065] As also illustrated in FIG. 9a, the framework arms 19 of aframework part A1, A2 are the same length. The lengths of the frameworkarms 19 of the two framework parts A1, A2 may be either the same ordifferent.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a passenger cell and/or a loadabsorbing cell 9 is fixedly connected to the main tubular girder 50,forming together with rigging cordage 12, 13, 14, 15, 23, 1 the controlstands 34 and with the control elements 5 the main part B. The center ofgravity of B is below the central axis Z-Z, so that B can swing aroundthe axis Z-Z and thus remains in stable equilibrium.

[0067] The passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell has an arrangementfor fastening at least one sail or the rigging cordage. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, two main masts 12, seven auxiliarymasts 13 and two auxiliary masts 14 are provided. The main masts 12 areconnected to the main tubular girder 50, while the four longitudinalspars 2′ connect the main masts to one another. The auxiliary masts 14can be operated independently of one another and the auxiliary masts 13to support the sailing maneuver. Each auxiliary mast 13, 14 is mountedso it can rotate about its vertical axis. The rotational bearings arearranged between the longitudinal spars 2′.

[0068] The main tubular girder 50 has a diameter of more than twometers, for example, so that it is accessible for walking on it. Itconnects two control stands 34 to passenger cell and/or load absorbingcell 9 in an accessible manner.

[0069] Five masts 23 are rotatably mounted in the passenger cell and/orload absorbing cell 9.

[0070]FIG. 8a shows framework arms 19 of the watercraft with theirfloats 3 in the basic position, while FIG. 8c shows the framework arms19 in a position in which the framework part A2 causes a displacement ofweight in the windward direction and thus counteracts possible listing.

[0071] The watercraft illustrated in FIG. 8 has framework arms 19 whichare arranged radially to the central horizontal axis Z-Z of thewatercraft, as shown in FIGS. 8a, 8 c, 8 e and 8 f in particular.

[0072] The framework arms 19 are connected to one another and to thepivot bearing rings 10 by connecting triangles 20.

[0073] To rotate framework parts A1, A2 opposite one another intopredefinable positions, the watercraft has a mechanical system 17 towhich framework parts A1, A2 are linked. In addition, the frameworkparts A1, A2 can be locked independently of one another on the maintubular girder 50 whose central axis is identical with the centralhorizontal axis Z-Z.

[0074] The mechanical system which generates pressure and traction maybe operated with oil as a hydraulic medium, for example. Likewise,traveling block systems may also be used to produce traction. Thisachieves the result that the floats of a framework part A1 come incontact with water, while the other framework part A2 is rotated into aposition in which its weight is displaced in the direction of thewindward side and listing is counteracted.

[0075] Framework parts A1, A2 with their hull-shaped floats 3 can berotated toward one another by traction systems (e.g., block and tackle)or by traction-compression systems (hydraulic oil presses) and locked inthe desired positions relative to one another. A1, A2 can be lockedindependently of one another to the main part B. For certainapplications, it may be expedient to connect two of the three main partsA1, A2, B fixedly and immovably to one another, i.e., to manufacturethem in one piece.

[0076] The two hull-shaped floats 3 of a framework part may be equippedwith water ballast tanks in particular and interconnected by lines, sothat water can move out of the ballast tank of one float and into theballast tank of the other float.

[0077] The framework arms 19 of the watercraft may be designed as athree-dimensional structure, so that water can flow with minimalresistance through the structure beneath the water level and air canflow above the water level.

[0078] Because of the water-cutting design of the floats 3, thiswatercraft can be submerged to different depths into the water. This isdiagramed in FIGS. 8a and 8 c, showing the water level 21 at the leastdepth of immersion and the water level 22 at the greatest death ofimmersion.

[0079]FIG. 8b shows a top view of the watercraft illustrated in a frontview in FIG. 8d. It moves in the direction of travel FAH and rests ontwo floats 3 of framework part A1. A float 3 of framework part A2 islocated on the windward side where it serves as a load balance. Theother float 3 of the framework part A2 is on its framework arm 19aligned perpendicularly (FIG. 8c).

[0080] The control stands 34 on the bow and on the stern are accessiblyconnected to the passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell 9 by way ofthe main tubular girder 50. The machine for the auxiliary drive, whichis integrated into 11, is located in each control stand 34.

[0081]FIG. 8b also shows the two upper longitudinal spars 2′ betweenwhich auxiliary masts 13 and 14 are rotatably mounted, auxiliary masts23 which are rotatably mounted on the passenger/load absorbing cell 9 aswell as two main masts 12 to which the spars 2′ are attached. The yards15 are fixedly connected to the auxiliary masts listed above and theycarry the cloth sails 1. Instead of square sails, cat sails may also beused, e.g., on the main masts.

[0082]FIG. 8d shows a front view of the watercraft having the maintubular girder 50. Framework parts A1 and A2 are connected to the maintubular girder by pivot bearing rings 10. These framework parts consistof components 19, 3, 10, 17. In addition, main masts 12 which areconnected to the main tubular girder 50 have spars 2′ attached to them.

[0083] Floating rudders 11 are equipped with elevator controls andauxiliary drive (to support changes in direction of travel and/or forcontinued movement when there is little wind) and are rotatably mountedin control stands 34. Masts 13, 14 and yards 15 are shown in the upperpart of FIG. 8d.

[0084] A section E-E is shown in FIG. 8c, which has already beendescribed, where the framework part A2 with its floats 3 (A2 in FIG. 8b)causes a displacement of weight in the windward direction and thuscounteracts possible listing.

[0085] Whereas the watercraft in FIG. 8d has a rigging cordage andcomparatively short framework arms, the watercraft is rigged as a catschooner in FIG. 8e and is equipped with comparatively long frameworkarms. The vehicle according to FIG. 8e is especially designed forwave-piercing operation, while the vehicle according to FIG. 8f is alsodesigned for operation in which the float hulls are submerged, so thatwave resistance is further reduced.

[0086]FIG. 9b shows first (in the diagram on the right) the arrangementof framework parts A1, A2 as shown in FIG. 8c and secondly (in thediagram on the left) an arrangement of two pivot bearing rings 10.

[0087] Two framework arms 19 are connected to each of these pivotbearing rings 10 which surround the main tubular girder 50. Of themechanical system 17, only connecting cords connecting the two frameworkparts A1 and A2 to one another are shown.

[0088] In addition to framework parts A1, A2, the outline of the mainpart B (main mast 12; passenger/load cell 9, floating rudder 11) is alsoshown. Two connecting cords 17 connect framework arms of differentframework parts A1, A2. For example, shortening the connecting cordshown at the left in the figure leads to lengthening of the connectingcord shown at the right in the figure.

[0089] A hydroplane mount 25 with hydrofoils 26 is arranged on each ofthe framework arms of the framework part A2. The hydrofoils contributeto the transverse stability of the watercraft in the submerged state ofthe floats 3 of A1.

[0090] If it is impossible due to unfavorable circumstances (storm, highwaves) to achieve sufficient transverse stability with the help ofhydrofoils 26, and if it is also impossible to blow air into the ballasttanks to displace the water from the tanks and return the watercraft tothe half-submerged state (wave-piercing), it remains possible tocompletely flood the water ballast tanks so that the volume of thepassenger cell and/or load absorbing cell 9 and the two control stands34 is submerged into the water and produces sufficient buoyancy anddimensional stability like an ordinary boat hull. Even in this operatingstate, possible listing can be counteracted by displacement of load bymeans of framework part A2.

[0091] In the arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9 b, theframework arms 19 are arranged radially to the central horizontal axisZ-Z. At their ends, the framework arms are equipped with float hulls towhich are connected control rudders 27. The axes of rotation of thesecontrol rudders 27 are aligned radially to the central horizontal axisZ-Z. Two control rudders 27 are provided on each float hull.

[0092] As long as the two parallel float hulls of the framework part A1are floating approximately half submerged, the position of thewatercraft is stable. However, as soon as the hulls are completelysubmerged, they float in the water, so that the vehicle is in a labileequilibrium position from a practical standpoint. According to thisinvention, however, the position of the watercraft is stabilizedconstantly by displacement of the hull weights from A2 in the directionof the windward side.

[0093] To stabilize the watercraft in short gusts of wind, anelectronically controlled automatic system which is used here hassensors of a gyro compass and acts on rudders 27. The rudders 27 can bedriven individually, independently of one another. They can be retractedinto the respective float hull to prevent damage when setting down onland.

[0094] The state-of-the-art watercraft illustrated in FIGS. 10 through12 have in common the fact that they have spars on their disk-shapedfloats 3 or rigid sails 4. In contrast with that, in the case ofembodiments of the watercraft according to this invention, controlelements are preferably arranged on a framework of the watercraft, inparticular on a main tubular girder in the central axis Z-Z and/or on agondola instead of having disk-shaped control elements on floats orrigid sails. These disk-shaped floats according to the state of the art,which tend to great listing and undercutting because of the waterpressure acting on their spars, are not provided with the watercraftaccording to this invention.

[0095] In the first and second embodiments of the watercraft accordingto this invention, sails may be provided on the main part A (framework),e.g., in the form of floats, while in the third embodiment (FIGS. 8e, 8f) of the watercraft according to this invention, sails may be arrangedon the main part B (passenger cell and/or a load absorbing cell). Thisthird embodiment of the watercraft according to this invention at thesame time implements the underwater concept mentioned above through thesubmerged float hulls of framework part A1 and the above-water conceptthrough the hydrofoils of the framework part A2.

[0096] The watercraft according to this invention may be designed aspersonal watercraft and/or load carrying vehicle in different sizes as afunction of the respective intended purpose. It is suitable for rescuingpeople from shipwrecks; the gondola can be reached by a ladder, forexample.

[0097] It can also be designed as a toy with remote control. The controlelements can be moved independently of one another in this way.Likewise, the sails can also be reefed and played out by remote control.

LIST OF REFERENCE NOTATION

[0098]1

[0099]2, 2′ sails, sail surfaces

[0100]2′ longitudinal spars

[0101]3 float

[0102]4 rigid sail

[0103]5 control element, spar, rudder

[0104]6 steering wheel

[0105]7 tension cable

[0106]8 axle stub

[0107]9 passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell

[0108]10 pivot bearing ring

[0109]11 floating rudder with elevator rudder and auxiliary drive

[0110]12 main mast

[0111]13 auxiliary mast

[0112]14 auxiliary mast

[0113]15 yard, cross struts for mounting 1

[0114]17 mechanical system (traction or compression-traction system);connecting cord

[0115]18 compression bar

[0116]19 framework arm

[0117]20 connecting triangle

[0118]21 water level at the least depth of immersion

[0119]22 water level at the greatest depth of immersion

[0120]23 mast

[0121]24 opening in 19

[0122]25 hydrofoil mount

[0123]26 hydrofoil

[0124]27 radial control rudder

[0125]34 control stand

[0126]35 recess in 3

[0127]50 main tubular girder (in central axis Z-Z)

[0128]51 transport container outline

[0129]52, 53, 54 hollow chamber segments

[0130]55 hollow chamber ring

[0131] A, A1, A2 main part, framework

[0132] B main part, gondola, boat, passenger cell, payload cell

[0133] S center of gravity of the framework

[0134] Z-Z central axis

[0135] FAH direction of travel

1. A watercraft with a framework (A) arranged with radial symmetry to acentral horizontal axis (Z-Z), in particular in the form of a box kiteor a similar framework designed with radial symmetry to the centralhorizontal axis (Z-Z), and with several floats (3) arranged in radialsymmetry with the central horizontal axis (Z-Z), with at least onecontrol element (5) arranged in a friction-locked manner on each float,characterized in that instead of at least one control element (5)arranged in a friction-locked manner on a float (3), at least onecontrol element (5) is arranged in a friction-locked manner on theframework (A).
 2. A watercraft with a framework (A) arranged with radialsymmetry to a central horizontal axis (Z-Z), with a passenger celland/or a load absorbing cell (B, 9) movably mounted in the framework sothat it retains its vertical suspended position with rotational movementof the framework (A), with at least one control element (5, 11) beingarranged in a friction-locked manner on the passenger cell and/or loadabsorbing cell (B) either directly or directly by means of at least oneconnecting element, characterized in that the framework (A) has the formof a box kite or a similar framework having radial symmetry with thecentral horizontal axis (Z-Z).
 3. A watercraft according to claim 2,characterized in that the framework (A) can be locked with the passengercell and/or a load absorbing cell (B).
 4. A watercraft having severalfloats (3) arranged with radial symmetry to a horizontal axis (Z-Z),characterized in that the floats (3) each have at least one recess (35)which is arranged on its side facing away from the water in positioningthe respective float (3) on the water, accommodating a connecting jointof a framework (A) arranged in radial symmetry with the centralhorizontal axis (Z-Z).
 5. A watercraft having several floats (3)arranged with radial symmetry to a horizontal axis (Z-Z) and a framework(A) arranged on the floats (3), characterized in that the framework (A)is designed to be collapsible.
 6. A watercraft according to claim 1 or2, characterized in that at least one movement means serving to move thewatercraft on land, in particular a wheel or a ball, is arranged on theminimum of one control element (5).
 7. A watercraft according to claim 1or 2, characterized in that at least one movement means which is also afloat (3) serves to move the watercraft on land and is arranged on theminimum of one control element (5).
 8. A watercraft according to claim 1and one of claims 4 through
 6. 9. A watercraft according to claim 2 or 3and one of claims 4 through
 6. 10. A watercraft according to claim 4 andone of claims 5 or
 6. 11. A watercraft according to claims 5 and
 6. 12.A watercraft having a framework (A, A1, A2) arranged in radial symmetryto the central horizontal axis (Z-Z), with a passenger cell and/or aload absorbing cell movably mounted in the framework so that it retainsits vertical suspended position in rotational movement of the framework(A), characterized in that the passenger cell and/or load absorbing cellhas an arrangement (2′; 50; 12, 13, 14; 23) for mounting at least onesail (1).
 13. A watercraft according to one of claims 1 through 12,characterized in that the framework (A) has framework arms (19) arrangedradially to the central horizontal axis (Z-Z).
 14. A watercraftaccording to claim 13, characterized in that floats (3) with controlrudders (27) are provided on the framework arms (19), their axes ofrotation being aligned radially with the central horizontal axis (Z-Z).15. A watercraft according to claim 14, characterized in that twocontrol rudders (27) are provided on the floats (3).
 16. A watercraftaccording to one of claims 12 through 15, characterized in that theframework (A) has two framework parts (A1, A2), and one framework part(A1, A2) has at lest two pivot bearing rings (10) on which are providedtwo of the framework arms (19), and the framework arm (19) of a pivotbearing ring (10) is connected to a hull-shaped float (3) by acorresponding framework arm (19) of the other pivot bearing ring (10) insuch a way that the two floats (3) are arranged with their longitudinalaxes parallel to one another.
 17. A watercraft according to claim 16,characterized in that the two framework arms (19) of a pivot bearingring (1) [sic; (10)] are arranged in a plane normal to the central axis(Z-Z), and the angle between these framework arms (19) is essentially 90degrees.
 18. A watercraft according to claim 16 or 17, characterized inthat the framework arms (19) of one framework part (A1, A2) are equal inlength, and the lengths of the framework arms (19) of the two frameworkparts (A1, A2) are either the same or different.
 19. A watercraftaccording to one of claims 16 through 18, characterized in that it has amechanical system (17) with which the framework parts (A1, A2) arelinked in such a manner that they can be rotated toward one another intopreselectable positions.
 20. A watercraft according to one of claims 16through 19, characterized in that the framework parts (A1, A2) can belocked independently of one another on a main tubular girder (50) whosecentral axis is identical to the central horizontal axis (Z-Z).
 21. Awatercraft according to one of claims 13 through 20, characterized inthat the framework arms (19) have openings (24) which minimize the waterresistance.
 22. A float (3) for a watercraft according to one of thepreceding claims.
 23. A float (3) according to claim 22, characterizedin that it is designed as a hull.
 24. A float (3) according to claim 23,characterized in that the hull has a wave-piercing cross section.